Making Herb and Vegetable Containers

Growing Media - Potting Mix or Soil

It is advisable to use one of the potting mixes (soilless media) in vegetable container gardening as they are light, disease-free, weed seed-free, and have good drainage. Some potting mixes have pre-mixed plant nutrients but it is very important to read the information on the label about how long the pre-mixed nutrients will support plant growth before you start applying fertilizers. You can also make your own two bushels of potting mix using the following recipe: Shredded sphagnum peat moss (1 bushel), Vermiculite (1 bushel), Ground limestone (1¼ cups), Phosphate fertilizer either 0-20-0 (½ cup) or 0-45-0 (¼ cup), Slow release granular fertilizer such as 5-10-5 (1 cup).